The State Mining & Geology Board (SMGB) serves as a regulatory, policy and appeals body representing the State's interests in geology, geologic and seismologic hazards, conservation of mineral resources and reclamation of lands following surface mining activities.Specifically, the SMGB serves as an appeals board, and has the authority to accept certain appeals and petitions and grant certain exemptions pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.These appeals include: